Un produit de santé peut-il changer de statut au gré des circonstances ? Éléments de réflexion avec l’exemple précis du savon

Abstract

Soap is a cosmetic product in common use during this pandemic period. It enables barrier gestures to be carried out. Capable of preventing pathology (COVID-19), it should, therefore, be marketed under a drug status. If we consider the history of soap, we realize the complexity of its status. Depending on the period, it has been considered as a hygiene product and/or as an excipient or an active ingredient allowing the production of a drug or cosmetic making it possible to treat both scabies and burns, to carry out purges or to put at the point of preparations to soften or whiten hands or to lengthen eyelashes. The use of the term “soap”, being extremely overused, the establishment of regulations to clarify this situation is essential.